New England College vs Southern New Hampshire University
Both New Hampshire institutions offer accessible admission, with New England College accepting 99.94% of applicants compared to Southern New Hampshire University's 96.37% rate. However, they differ significantly in scale and cost structure.
Cost and Value: SNHU provides substantial savings with tuition of $16,450 versus NEC's $41,578. Despite NEC's lower average net price ($30,299 vs $33,742), SNHU graduates carry less debt ($21,082 vs $26,000) and earn higher median salaries ten years post-graduation ($50,318 vs $42,092).
Academic Environment: NEC offers an intimate learning experience with 980 students and an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, enabling personalized attention. SNHU serves 156,755 students with a 24:1 ratio, providing broader course offerings and resources through its extensive online programs.
Campus Experience: NEC's small Division III athletics program fosters tight-knit community bonds in rural Henniker. SNHU's Division II athletics and Manchester location offer more competitive sports and urban amenities.
Outcomes: SNHU demonstrates stronger performance metrics with a 44.9% six-year graduation rate versus NEC's 31.1%, though both maintain similar retention rates around 60%.
Academic Strengths: NEC excels in liberal arts education with individualized programs, while SNHU is recognized for business, technology, and online education delivery.
Students seeking personalized attention in a small college environment should consider New England College, while those prioritizing affordability, career outcomes, and flexible learning options would find Southern New Hampshire University more suitable.
Both New Hampshire institutions offer accessible admission, with New England College accepting 99.94% of applicants compared to Southern New Hampshire University's 96.37% rate. However, they differ significantly in scale and cost structure.
Cost and Value: SNHU provides substantial savings with tuition of $16,450 versus NEC's $41,578. Despite NEC's lower average net price ($30,299 vs $33,742), SNHU graduates carry less debt ($21,082 vs $26,000) and earn higher median salaries ten years post-graduation ($50,318 vs $42,092).
Academic Environment: NEC offers an intimate learning experience with 980 students and an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, enabling personalized attention. SNHU serves 156,755 students with a 24:1 ratio, providing broader course offerings and resources through its extensive online programs.
Campus Experience: NEC's small Division III athletics program fosters tight-knit community bonds in rural Henniker. SNHU's Division II athletics and Manchester location offer more competitive sports and urban amenities.
Outcomes: SNHU demonstrates stronger performance metrics with a 44.9% six-year graduation rate versus NEC's 31.1%, though both maintain similar retention rates around 60%.
Academic Strengths: NEC excels in liberal arts education with individualized programs, while SNHU is recognized for business, technology, and online education delivery.
Students seeking personalized attention in a small college environment should consider New England College, while those prioritizing affordability, career outcomes, and flexible learning options would find Southern New Hampshire University more suitable.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| New England College | Southern New Hampshire University | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 99.9% | 96.4% |
| Enrollment | 980 | 156,755 |
| In-State Tuition | $41,578 | $16,450 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $41,578 | $16,450 |
| Net Price | $30,299 | $33,742 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.1% | 44.9% |
| Retention Rate | 60.0% | 59.9% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $42,092 | $50,318 |
| Median Debt | $26,000 | $21,082 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| New England College | Southern New Hampshire University | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | $65,332 | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $73,898 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | $41,565 | Economics. | $60,320 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $39,369 | Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $56,867 |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management. | $32,382 | Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | $50,856 |
| Psychology, General. | $31,314 | Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $50,151 |